Late Spring 2016 Sheepshead primer

[OldTimer]

The Sheepshead – aka Freshwater Drum

   

Over time I’ve caught many of these – usually when targeting something else.

They are strong and can pull amazingly well. In fact I’d say they fight much harder than a Largemouth of equal weight. Their wide compressed body and paddle shaped tail aid them here, particularly in a current. However, they are not known for super long duration seesaw battles.

The current Ontario record catch is a 21.5 pound beast (35” long) that was caught in the Bay of Quinte. This is not the norm, regular catches average usually in the 2 to 4 pound range in rivers.
They are in all the southern Great Lakes and tribs. (Upper St. Lawrence River, Ottawa River, Lake Abitibi, Lake Nipissing, Lakes Ontario, Erie, St. Clair and tributaries, southern Lake Huron). The Grand has many.

They are late spring/ early summer spawners (water at 18C-25C) so concentrations and fishing success for them peaks in late May through June. Their preferred temperature ranges is 24C-28C so they don’t get sluggish or go deep (like some of the more popular gamefish) in the hot summer months. I haven’t caught many in the fall.

Most of the fish I have caught were taken near bottom. They usually are found over sandy to hard bottom or mixed rubble/clay areas below flats or current breaks. They prefer low to moderate current but will sit behind obstructions in stronger currents.

For bait – worms or crayfish work well – use circle hooks to avoid deep hooking. They will aggressively strike smaller lures - spinners, spoons, cranks and tubes (their mouths are small so keep size down). I do recall catching a few small ones on dry flies. They seem to avoid weedy areas and dead water.

They prefer clear water, but tolerate water that may become murky or muddy at times of the year. They can see well but are aided in their hunts by a long lateral line and large ear bones providing them increased sensing/hearing (tip – use rattles in cranks).

Opinions vary greatly on their table qualities, and smaller fish are more popular. Personally – I prefer other fish for my meals.

It is interesting that these fish do eat Zebra Mussels, and while they won’t stop that problem – I have read they have no doubt slowed it down or reduced the severity.

For tackle any medium light rig and line is great……….. and ultra-light is a blast.

Maybe I should target them…………… I’ll probably catch something else…………smile.

Cheers,

OldTimer